LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Saint
Luke's Episcopal Church in Somers, New York, January 24, 2010

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
175th Anniversary of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Somers, New York,
on Sunday, January 24, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Saint Luke's Episcopal Church is located at an historic
intersection in Somers, New York, across from the Elephant Hotel, adja-
cent to a town gazebo that provides a picturesque setting; its majestic
white structure with tall columns was built in 1842; and
WHEREAS, The 175th Anniversary service of Saint Luke's Episcopal
Church in Somers, New York, held on Sunday, January 24, 2010, recalled
the Church's 1835 origins; it included a traditional liturgy similar to
what was done nearly two centuries ago; and
WHEREAS, The congregation of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Somers,
New York, has had strong ties with St. James Episcopal Church of North
Salem, New York, dating back to 1760, but has always managed to distin-
guished itself; its congregation has swelled to at least 150 parishion-
ers; and
WHEREAS, The focus of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Somers, New
York, remains on local, national and international concerns with chil-
dren's programs, youth groups and community service; its active thrift
shop on church grounds funds many projects, including recent aid for
Haitian earthquake victims; and
WHEREAS, Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Somers, New York, adds to
the integrity of the local community; and
WHEREAS, Standing on the threshold of tomorrow, Saint Luke's Episcopal
Church in Somers, New York, is prepared to meet the challenges of the
coming decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which character-
izes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in
Somers, New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the
belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Sanford Allen Key, Pastor, Saint Luke's Episco-
pal Church, 331 Route 100, Somers, New York 10589.